Airline Passenger Opens Cabin Door, Deploys Emergency Slide

Image: Frontier aircraft. (photo courtesy of Frontier Airlines)
Image: Frontier aircraft. (photo courtesy of Frontier Airlines)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 3:55 PM ET, Thu October 25, 2018

On a Frontier Airlines flight from Cancun to Saint Louis, Missouri, an agitated passenger opened the cabin door, deploying the emergency slide and creating havoc for a plateful of travelers trying to get home after a Mexico getaway.

According to a report in USA Today, the incident occurred when a passenger complained of feeling ill and prompted the flight to return to the gate. As the aircraft was returning, the passenger became violent with a flight attendant and then tried to exit the aircraft through the cabin door before the flight reached the gate.

"Crew members, assisted by some passengers, restrained the individual until authorities arrived," said a statement from Frontier. "Officials transported the passenger for a medical evaluation."

Unfortunately for passengers, because the slide was deployed, the plane then had to undergo a maintenance inspection and those onboard the plane had to be rerouted. Frontier rebooked guests and provided hotel accommodations for those who had to wait to return home.

The airline apologized for the inconvenience.

"We understand that unexpected delays are frustrating and work to get our passengers to their destinations as soon as circumstances permit," the statement continued.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...